Psalms 139:6

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

Psalms 139:6 in Other Translations

King James Version (KJV)
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.
New Living Translation (NLT)
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
The Message Bible (MSG)
6 This is too much, too wonderful - I can't take it all in!
American Standard Version (ASV)
6 [Such] knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it.
GOD'S WORD Translation (GW)
6 Such knowledge is beyond my grasp. It is so high I cannot reach it.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
6 [This] extraordinary knowledge is beyond me. It is lofty; I am unable to [reach] it.
New International Reader's Version (NIRV)
6 I'm amazed at how well you know me. It's more than I can understand.

Psalms 139:6 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 139:6

[Such] knowledge [is] too wonderful for me
Meaning either the knowledge of himself, such as God had of him, which was vastly superior to what he had of himself; and especially the knowledge of other persons and things, whether visible or invisible, in heaven, earth, or hell; things past, present, and to come; or else the manner in which God knew all this was amazing to him, and quite impenetrable by him; that he did know him, his thoughts, his words and actions, and so those of all others, was easy of belief; but how he should know all this was past his conception, and struck him with the profoundest admiration;

it is high;
sublime, out of his reach, beyond his comprehension;

I cannot [attain] unto it;
neither to such knowledge, nor to comprehend what it is in God; and how he should have it, and in what manner he exercises it. Kimchi, Jarchi, and Aben Ezra, connect the words with the following, as if the matter of his wonder and astonishment was the omnipresence of God, or where he should find a place to flee from him.

Psalms 139:6 In-Context

4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

Cross References 2

  • 1. S Psalms 131:1
  • 2. Job 42:3; Romans 11:33
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